ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses a different project management paradigm; project management as a problem-solving methodology using the systems approach. It explains the seven P’s of project management: people, politics, prevention, problems, processes, profit and products which must be managed to achieve the objectives of a project. The book focuses on product-based planning, the project and system lifecycles and planning methodologies. It also explains planning and adhering to schedules, an important function of project management since exceeding schedule is one of the characteristics of failed projects. The book also focuses on the human element; the most important attribute of project management because people perform the project, cause, prevent or mitigate problems, and take part in the processes that produce the products. It describes systemic and systematic project management.
